This video, via William Mathewson, takes a hands-on look at patching the new WMD / SSF Monolith Modular Synth Keyboard.
The Monolith is a 37-key keyboard, with 104 hp Eurorack rails loaded with the wmd/ssf collaboration line of modules. complete with power supply and 25 patch cables of assorted lengths.
The monolith is designed to be a fully functional, completely customizable modular synth with a wide palette of tones that the user can patch from scratch. The system includes 15 modules: two spectrum oscillators, a pole zero filter, two adsrvcas, an amplitude discrete vca, an s.p.o. scaling polarizer and offset, the ultrafold wavefolder, the blender four channel crossfading mixer, a quad attenuator, the toolbox utility module, a mini slew function generator, as well as a custom keyscan module with aftertouch, velocity, and midi (in, out, and thru).
Also included are a buffered multiple, a lvls output module and open 16 hp worth of space, filled with blank panels, so you can customize it.
The Monolith is available now for $2,600. See the WMD site for more info.
I like it, but for the same price I can get a Prophet 6 analog poly.
I do respect the passion people have for modulars , but they are still lost on me.
I have had synths many years and have played on a few modulars including a big moog modular , system 100 , etc but after creating sounds I wanted to store the patch etc and if anything hearing people say ‘not having memories makes it more interesting’ well for me the word ‘bollo’ks springs to mind . I have enough synths experience to know they really are not my thing.
The patch chords the lack of patch memories and no polyphony , is sort of like have the micky taken out of you , if you want to get on just making tracks.
Haha I feel you man but I would totally dive into modular anyway if I had the cash!
I am sure you would , bit modulation on non modulars can be quite something!!!
Modular synths always will give you more flexibility and choice, both in the capabilities and routing options.
Non-modular synths will always be more cost effective, but provide fewer options for customization and limited routing options.
For people whose interests are basic/mainstream, modulars will always look overpriced, because the extra money goes for capabilities you don’t care about.
I have played with one of these and it is quite lovely. Part of the cost is that this is a high-quality, expandable product composed of many smaller products, and that it is not mass-produced on the same level as (for example) an MS20 Mini. Also, please compare to something like a Mini Moog or a TB-303 that people shell out much more for. The Dave Smith stuff is awesome, the MS20 Mini is awesome, this thing is awesome. They all have merit to me.
I’d like to see the monolith offered empty except for power and the keyscan module so I can fill it with my own stuff. It’d be a tempting package
Totally agree!!